Moscow GRAND SLAM | 21 - 25 August 2013

Press release

Kazakhstan shock Bruno and Pedro to top pool

Kazakhstan's Alexandr Dyachenko celebrates their win over World Tour leaders Pedro and Bruno

Moscow, Russia, August 23, 2013 – In a direct battle for top position in pool B at the FIVB Moscow Grand Slam Alexey Sidorenko and Alexandr Dyachenko defeated Brazil’s World Tour leaders Pedro Solberg and Bruno Oscar Schmidt in three sets (15-21 21-18 16-14) on Friday.

In the thrilling tiebreak the Kazakhs took an early lead. Brazil equalled at 8-8 and even took a lead at 11-10, but Sidorenko and Dyachenko persevered and at their second match point Dyachenko claimed victory with a kill block.

“It was a very tough match”, Dyachenko said. “But it’s the top team in the pool and then you always have top matches. When you play top teams you have to be very concentrated. We always play good against top teams.”

First win in three encounters

It was the first time in three encounters that the Kazakhs defeated Pedro and Bruno, who collected a gold, two silver and a bronze medal so far this year.

“The two matches before were also very close. So this is satisfaction. I think the key in winning today was not being nervous and don’t worry. Just look ahead and side-out, side-out.”

The 32-year old Dyachenko and 29-year old Sidorenko are a team since 2010. Their best finish on the World Tour is 9th place and in Moscow 17th (2010).

“I am happy we don’t have to play first round tomorrow, that is only the second time this year. We will try to do our best. Top five maybe. We finished 9th this year about five times. My personal career best is 7th, so I really need that five.”

“But we will see. We want to play our best game here. It is the last tournament before we have a big break for more than one month until the Beijing Grand Slam in October.”

Celebrate in style

In case they might win a medal here in Moscow, Dyachenko wants to celebrate in style. “Drink a lot, like people do in Russia.”

The Kazakh player always enjoys Moscow. “I like to play in Russia, the people here are the same as in our country. I feel at home here. It’s good to play here. People are supporting us a lot. When you hear this you play better.”

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